Method for debugging reconfigurable architectures

Abstract

A method for efficiently debugging a program defining a plurality of configurations to be successively processed on a dynamically reconfigurable architecture including a plurality of logic elements cooperating with each other. The method includes storing data in a memory in a configuration-conforming manner, the data generated by executing a configuration forming part of the program on the reconfigurable architecture, and including algorithmically relevant state data of the program that is associated with at least one of the configurations. The method further includes subsequently continuing execution of the program, the execution including a reconfiguration, and detecting an error based on stored state data, wherein for each state for which corresponding state data is to be stored, the state remains unchanged at least until the corresponding state data is stored. For obtaining a particular state data, the method interrupts execution of the program by configuring a first configuration via which the particular state data is transmitted to a debugging unit instead of a second configuration that is a next-required configuration of the program; and subsequent to obtaining the particular state data, resumes execution of the program by configuring the second configuration.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for efficiently debugging a program defining a plurality of configurations to be successively processed on a dynamically reconfigurable architecture including a plurality of logic elements cooperating with each other, the method comprising:
 storing data in a memory in a configuration-conforming manner, the data generated by executing a configuration forming part of the program on the reconfigurable architecture, and including algorithmically relevant state data of the program that is associated with at least one of the configurations; 
 subsequently continuing execution of the program, the execution including a reconfiguration; 
 detecting an error based on stored state data, wherein for each state for which corresponding state data is to be stored, the state remains unchanged at least until the corresponding state data is stored; 
 for obtaining a particular state data, interrupting execution of the program by configuring a first configuration via which the particular state data is transmitted to a debugging unit instead of a second configuration that is a next-required configuration of the program; and 
 subsequent to obtaining the particular state data, resuming execution of the program by configuring the second configuration. 
 
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the memory includes an internal memory of the dynamically reconfigurable architecture in which the state data is stored. 
     
     
       3. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the data are stored in an external memory and the state data relate to a state of the reconfigurable architecture after linking of operands. 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the data includes state data that is associated with a configuration processed when the data is stored and that is not required following termination of the configuration. 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein debugging information is read out by a dedicated debug configuration, and normal program execution continues subsequent to the reading out of the debugging information.